Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Always - A Review of MAYBE SOMEDAY by Colleen Hoover

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, This Girl, and Losing Hope, Maybe Someday is destined to become another bestseller and long-lasting fan favorite.

Nikki worked her magic and created this fantastic review. I love her creativity and way of describing this beautiful story.

“A life of mediocrity is a waste of a life.”

Maybe Someday is a sweeping melody, composed with love. Sydney is a music major in college. She lives with her best friend, Tori, and has a long-term boyfriend, Hunter. She thinks she is happy, content to just dance along to life’s natural rhythm.

Sydney is drawn out to her balcony most evenings to listen to her mysterious neighbor play guitar from his balcony. Sydney creates lyrics for his tunes, often singing along. One evening, guitar guy notices that she isn't singing along. She and guitar guy begin a dialog through handwritten notes and then text messages. He wants to see her lyrics. Unaware that he had noticed their unconventional duet, Sydney hesitates in sharing her words, embarrassment and ego at first winning out. Ridge successfully coaxes her into texting her lyrics. He is impressed and amazed, he has found a muse. The lyrics are beautiful and perfect for his songs. They slowly begin a friendship through text messaging.

Sydney's life hits a discordant note, when, one rainy evening she discovers that Tori and Hunter have been having an affair. Feeling broken and devastated, she reluctantly moves in with Ridge, her mysterious guitar playing Romeo.

“We try so hard to hide everything we're really feeling

from those who probably need to know our true feelings the most.”

Syd acclimates to her new surroundings and even learns to like her new roomies (one of which is a total bitch). Ridge and Syd begin to create beautiful music together, literally and figuratively. Their attraction is apparent and undeniable immediately. The problem is that Ridge has a girlfriend he is totally in love with and utterly devoted to. They try to keep their interactions PG, despite an overwhelming desire to get closer and become lost in their refrain.

“Hey, heart. Are you listening? You and I are officially at war.”

Sadly, the duo finds resisting each other impossible and their attraction doesn’t escape the notice of those around them. Once Sydney realizes a future with Ridge is doomed, they decide to distance themselves from one another. She moves out and he leaves her at peace, in radio silence. The tune of Maybe Someday fades out as beautifully as anyone might hope.

“I want to be your end, but you gotta let it begin.”

Colleen Hoover has created a musical masterpiece. Her characters are genuine but flawed, just like you and I. The beautiful thing is that they find ways to overcome their problems with dignity and deep abiding love for one another. I’ve purposely kept some secrets out of this summary, because I hate spoilers. Trust me though, there are a few and boy do they pluck at your heart strings, so be ready. Ridge is among the most alluring, sweet, and wonderful guys I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Sydney is a loyal, kind and genuine person from the start, doing what is right, often at the expense of her own feelings. I loved all the players in this orchestra, every single one; not despite their flaws, but because of them.

“She's worth it all. She's worth more.”

Colleen Hoover collaborated with recording artist Griffin Peterson to create a soundtrack for Maybe Someday. The result is a beautiful match-up and a truly unique reading experience. The songs play right into the story, which is moving and emotional on its own. When accompanied by the soundtrack, it literally leaves you breathless, it’s that good. Clearly these two work very well together. I truly hope they collaborate again, and soon.

Even though there has been no announcement for a series, we catch hints of the peripheral characters that leave us begging to know more about their stories.

"Are you in the mood to make beautiful music together?"

Readers with eBooks can click on the song that accompanies the scene, using the browser on their e-readers to listen to the music simultaneously as they read along. For paperback owners, readers can scan a QR code with their phone, and listen to the song directly. Or they can visit the Maybe Someday website to access the soundtrack. It’s also available on Itunes.5 out of 5 Stars

Even though this book has its own soundtrack, I couldn't help recommending a song from my own iPod. This song seemed to encompass the feelings of helplessness that Ridge and Sydney were feeling when they knew that they were in love with each other, but there was nothing that could be done about it.